“I am not getting on that Calvin. Not a chance in hell.” The words were out of my mouth before I could stop them. There was no way I was ever going to get on a motorcycle, not ever again. I thought I’d be able to give it a go, but the reality of the chrome was a complete no-go, my feet froze to the ground and my stomach felt like it was falling.
“You don’t have to Ellison. We can do whatever you want.”
“Let me just go ask my mom if I can borrow her car.”
He didn’t even flinch. The way he accommodated me so quickly had me in nearly as much shock as seeing the bike in front of my house. Calvin looked at me with an amused expression on his face, shaking his head and then a burst of laughter jumped out.
“What’s so funny?” I asked him.
“I brought the bike ‘cause my brother told me ladies like Harleys. I should have known the only woman who’s drawn my attention wouldn’t be like anyone else.”
Cal seemed amused and not angry.
His words made me warm inside. This boy actually thought I was special. Hopefully, he could tolerate the ways I was different. I wouldn’t be surprised if he took off running when he realized that things weren’t as perfect as they might have appeared from the outside. Guys like Calvin didn’t really look at girls like me. They dated the most popular girls in school, the ones who looked like they belonged in fashion magazines. I felt like I was in some alternative universe, where the nerdy girl with some extra pounds on her was actually worth getting to know. Maybe my mom was right and all we needed was a fresh start, maybe the people in South Vale would turn out to be less judgmental. Calvin made me feel like moving here really wasn’t so terrible, even if we ended up just becoming friends and nothing more.
“Let me go grab the car keys.” I ran inside and took my parents’ keys from the mantle, pulled the car out from the garage and honked the horn at Calvin. When he turned to look at me in a black van he laughed so loud I thought maybe he’d never ridden in a minivan before. Granted, it wasn’t the sexiest vehicle, but it was safe, and that’s all I cared about.
“You have to drive because I’m really not allowed to,” I told him as I hopped down from the driver’s seat.
“You’re gonna ruin my reputation, Ellison,” he hollered loud enough for the whole neighborhood to hear. He sauntered over with swagger that went better with the bike, took the keys from my hand and moved toward the car.
“You want a Montgomery to get into a minivan? My dad would have my hide if he knew I was actually gonna be seen in that thing. But for you, Ellison, I’m willing to make the sacrifice. Only for you.” He winked, walked around the car, and slid into the driver’s seat. Cal had moves and the things he said made my stomach swim in a good way.
“You sure you want me to drive?”
“Is that okay? I mean, I can drive just fine, but I can’t go anywhere alone and I might want to hold off because of the recent episodes.”
“Also, I live here. Chances are I know the city better than you.”
“Right.” I was a freaking dumbass.
“It would be a privilege to be driven around by someone like you. I trust your driving, but you've been here, what? A week?” His words made me flush and I knew my skin was turning all kinds of pink.
“Damn Elli, even when you get embarrassed you look hot.”
I blushed even harder until my ears felt hot and my eyes started to water. I forced myself to focus on my hands while I walked over to the passenger’s side.
“Fair enough, you drive.” But Cal opened the door again and jumped out, leaving the keys in the ignition and walked around to my side of the car.
“What are you doing?”
“Opening the door for you. Now I’m ready.”
He opened the door and I slid down into the seat. He marched back around and got into the driver’s seat. After adjusting the rear view mirror, he leaned over my side as if he could reach the passenger’s side mirror. He was practically in my lap.
“Can you pull that in a little?” I adjusted it accordingly.
He leaned into me again, his nose in the nape of my neck, not touching but so close I could feel him breathe. The moment extended like taffy and seemed to last forever, it wasn’t uncomfortable, just a little strange.
“Are you smelling me?” I finally asked, not being able to handle the tension.
“I want to know everything there is to know about you.” He held my hand to his lips and placed a gentle kiss on it.